Founding Mothers

October 1, 2011
Grades 3-6 Part of the new Primary Source Readers: Focus on Women in U.S. History series, this introduction to influential women in early American history begins with the colonial period and closes with the Civil War. A brief introductory chapter discusses How Times Have Changed; subsequent chapters discuss events chronologically and focus on women's roles, sometimes in the aggregate (Women began weaving their own cloth and stopped buying it from the British), and sometimes noting individuals, such as patriot and America's first female playwright Mercy Otis Warren, slave and poet Phillis Wheatley, Sacagawea, Clara Barton, and more. Some of the women are well-known and have been the subject of biographies; others may be introduced to young researchers here for the first time. The clear text is enhanced with archival illustrations and sidebars that highlight notable items about the women discussed in the narrative. A glossary, an index, and two suggested extension activities conclude this informative book.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)

November 1, 2011

Gr 3-5-With short chapters, primary-source excerpts, and plentiful illustrations and photos, these two series combine biographical information and history to introduce elementary readers to the people and events of women's and African-American history. The histories include sketches of important leaders and the biographies show historical context, which gives readers a well-rounded view of events and emphasizes the importance of leadership in creating societal change and expanding civil rights. Sidebars provide supplementary information. While these books are attractive and generally well written, their coverage is similar to that in many extant series. Supplemental report purchases.

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